BEREA -- For now, there are no plans to trade or cut either Colt McCoy or Seneca Wallace, Mike Holmgren said on Thursday.

Check back with the Browns president before the season starts Sept. 9 for an update.

"The first two years we've had to go to the third quarterback because of injury, so that's not to say we might change something, but right now, no," Holmgren said. "Right now they are all practicing very hard. Our quarterback position is a strong position."

Add Holmgren's name to the long list of Browns officials impressed with rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden. Holmgren is going to let Coach Pat Shurmur name the starting quarterback, but he said Weeden is: "As prepared to come in and start as a rookie as any quarterback I've seen in a long time because of his maturity level and his age (28). He's already been through a whole bunch of competitive situations.

Advertisement

"His skill level is excellent. He passes the ball very well. He does it easily, good velocity. He has the things necessary, I think, to play the position that way. The most important thing is to be able to pass the ball and pass it accurately."

Wallace has already said he doesn't want to be the third quarterback. McCoy could be in for a shock when/if Shurmur does officially name Weeden the starter, because McCoy said he is approaching the job as though it is his.

The key words in Holmgren's first answer about trading or releasing McCoy or Wallace is "right now" there are no plans to deal one of them. The opener is still more than 13 weeks away.

"Between now and the time we play our first ballgame against the Eagles, you shouldn't be surprised by anything, but right now they are all doing fine," Holmgren said. "We are going to be talking to teams about a lot of different things, not just the quarterback situation. When you get to final cut down, a lot of action takes place. I think you're open to listen to every phone call. If we think it's a good thing to make the Cleveland Browns better, then we would consider it."

Who to choose?

Holmgren talked about what makes a good backup quarterback and listed the same traits Shurmur did when asked the same question Tuesday.

Holmgren said the backup has to be ready to play without much practice time and has to be mobile enough to be able to run for a first down.

Holmgren added a third trait.

"He is usually one of the more popular guys on the team," Holmgren said. "He has a pretty good sense of humor typically. The guys I've had were goof balls, but good players. You have to trust them. It's not a scientific thing. A lot of it is gut feeling and reaction. Physically, he has to be able to do that without much practice time."

Wallace, entering his 10th season has been primarily a backup his entire career. He and McCoy have identical 6-15 records as starters. McCoy is in his third season.

Holmgren on Jim Brown

Jim Brown has been on NFL Network recently predicting first-round draft pick Trent Richardson will be an "ordinary" back in the NFL.

Brown was an executive advisor for the Browns making a reported $500,000 a year until Holmgren eliminated the position two years ago. Holmgren offered the Hall of Fame running back another job in the organization, but Brown turned it down.

Brown has never attended a Browns function since, including the unveiling of the Ring of Honor in Cleveland Browns Stadium in 2010.

"It's an interesting thing," Holmgren said. "Jim is one of my childhood heroes. He was a fabulous player. I think when I came in here -- my very first press conference -- he was the first guy that I shook hands with. How the Browns view Jim Brown hasn't changed and will never change.

"I could see where he got a little upset with me, perhaps, but I think Trent Richardson is going to be pretty good. I would like Jim Brown to come and be a part of this and feel comfortable doing that. I would welcome him with open arms."

Jersey boys

The Browns wore white jerseys for all home games last season because they wore white at home when they dominated the NFL from 1950-55.

The home team gets to choose whether to wear white or colored jerseys. Holmgren said the Browns will wear white at home for some games and brown for others this season. He said weather will be a determining factor.

Historic Browns Backer

Bret Cantley of Wickliffe was honored Thursday as the 100,000th member of the Browns Backers Worldwide. The 42-year old father of six won numerous prizes, including a plaque and tickets to a 2012 home game.

Legends inductees

Running back Ernie Green (1962-68) and safety Clarence Scott (1971-83) will be inducted into the Cleveland Browns Legends during halftime of the home game against the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 23.

The Legends was started in 2001 with the induction of the Browns in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The legends also includes Brian Sipe, Bernie Kosar, Clay Matthews, and Doug Dieken among others.